Your Neighborhood Full Service Repair Facility
1 Year 12,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty
We Build Customers For Life!
We Service All Makes & Models
Locally Owned & Operated
June 13, 2021
We usually take our vehicle's easy steering for granted until something goes wrong. Power steering is what makes it almost effortless to turn the steering wheel, aiming your vehicle in the direction you want to go. Without the assistance of power from the engine, steering would be a laborious process, so you want to make sure the system is working well.
Power steering systems are usually one of two types, hydraulic and electric. The hydraulic type uses a pump that is driven by either a belt or an electric motor. This system uses hydraulic fluid to create pressure that gives your steering the power assist. Since that pump is always working, time and distance traveled eventually take their toll, and these systems need to be periodically inspected. Also, while that hydraulic fluid can last for years, it should be replaced periodically as it degrades over time. Your vehicle's owner's manual contains the manufacturer's recommendations.
A technician can check for leaks in the hoses, pump housing or reservoir. Also, the belts should be inspected and so should the pump, as these can fail. Signs of a failing pump are a groaning noise when you turn the steering wheel, stiff steering, squealing noises when you first start your car and puddles of a reddish-brown fluid under your vehicle.
The other type is called EPS, or electric power steering, which is becoming more commonly used in the latest vehicles. It only delivers power assist when you need it and has an electric motor that supplies that steering help. It's more efficient, accurate, compact and clean. And because it has a lot fewer components, it's easier to maintain.
If you have electric power steering, you may notice sometimes it's hard to turn the wheel or your Check Engine light comes on. Sometimes the power assist motor fails or there can be problems with electrical connections. Any time you have symptoms, it's important for your safety and that of drivers around you that you have a technician check them out.
Properly working brakes are essential for the safe operation of any vehicle. Stop! And make sure yours are working properly.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Glendale Heights
1153 Bloomingdale Rd.
Glendale Heights, Illinois 60139
630-588-8846
January 19, 2025
If you smell gasoline in your vehicle, pay attention to your nose. That's because it has an important message for you. Newer vehicles should never have a gasoline smell inside. One of the most dangerous conditions can come when your fuel line system has a leak or multiple leaks. Vehicles with fue... More
January 12, 2025
You climb inside your vehicle, start the ignition, and reach for the fan control for the heating or air conditioning. But when you try to crank it up, no air comes out of the vents. It can make for a very uncomfortable trip, whether its hot or cold outside. Its important for the comfort of you a... More
January 5, 2025
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More
